Simon Ward Returns to Curtis as Muscat Managing Partner

Muscat, Oman, October 1, 2018 - Curtis is pleased to announce that Simon Ward has re-joined the firm as a partner in the international arbitration and litigation groups, and has also been appointed Managing Partner of the firm's Muscat office, where he will focus on expanding the firm's footprint within the region.

Before briefly leaving Curtis in March 2018 for family reasons, Mr. Ward spent five years at Curtis, including most recently as a Partner and Curtis’ Head of Disputes in Oman.

Mr. Ward stands out among Oman’s most experienced arbitration counsel with over a decade of experience in the region and is currently ranked by Chambers Global as a top Commercial Litigation and Arbitration lawyer. He was appointed to the Oman Court of Appeal Roll of Arbitrators in 2011 and has acted as both arbitrator and lead counsel before the Omani Courts, in domestic and international arbitrations under the auspices of the ICC and LCIA, and in Omani/UNCITRAL ad hoc arbitrations. He has particular experience in construction and infrastructure disputes and has successfully advised and represented numerous government companies, multinationals and local entities in both Oman law and international arbitration. Mr. Ward’s practice also encompasses a wide range of litigation fields, and he has acted in commercial, construction, regulatory, health and safety, environment and employment litigation, both in Oman and overseas.

Mr. Ward received his LLB, with first class honors, from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. He is admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.

Curtis Managing Partner Matias A. Vega said, “We are pleased to welcome Simon back to Curtis. He is a distinguished arbitration lawyer and litigator, has an in-depth knowledge of Omani law and procedures and has played an instrumental role in expanding our disputes and wider commercial practice within Oman and throughout the Middle East in recent years. This rare combination of experience and business savvy make him an ideal choice to head up our thriving Muscat office.”

“I am delighted to be returning to Curtis, which is well established within Oman and offers a unique combination of local expertise and unparalleled international experience. I am excited to take on my new role as Muscat Managing Partner and look forward to our leading the team’s continued success and expansion in this market.”

Middle East Strategic Planning

Partners Bruce Palmer, formerly the head of the Muscat office, and Charles Buderi, a former head of the Dubai office, have each agreed to take on the role of Director of Middle East Strategic Planning. This will ensure a consistent strategic approach in the ongoing growth and development of Curtis’ presence in the Middle East.